2nd Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
[The Great Controversy pp 88] “Her children had spurned the grace of Christ, which would have enabled them to subdue their evil impulses, and now these became the conquerors. Satan aroused the fiercest and the most debased passions of the soul. Men did not reason; they were beyond reason.” The meaning of the word “Arouse”: To awaken that which is dormant, to stir up. Now, let’s consider this folks; in order for something to be awakened, it first has to be in existence in a dormant or a latent state, for no one could arouse, or awaken anything that is nonexistent in your character.
[The Great Controversy pp 88] Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foot-hold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of himself, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory.
What is being referred to is some responding chord in us that triggers the wrong reaction whenever the right set of circumstances converge. Some cherished sin, or a dormant tendency that we may be privately clinging on to, that has not been confronted for what it is.
2nd Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!